"Don't 'ee mention it. Not on any account." He waved his hand magnanimously and trudged off toward Tredinnis. Taffy waited until he disappeared behind the first sand-hill, and broke the seal. A slip of parchment lay inside the envelope. "_This is to certify_——" He had paused! He pulled off his cap and waved it round his head. And once more the rabbits popped back into their burrows. _Toot—toot—toot!_—It was that diabolical postman. He had fetched a circuit round the sand-hill, and was peeping round the north side of it and grinning as he blew. Taffy set off running, and never stopped until he reached the Parsonage and burst into the kitchen. "Mother—it's all right! I've passed!" * * * * * Somebody was knocking at the door. Taffy jumped up from his knees and Humility made the lap of her apron smooth. "May I come in?" asked Honoria, and pushed the door open. She stepped into the middle of the kitchen and dropped Taffy an elaborate courtesy. "A thousand congratulations, sir!" "Why, how did you know?" "Well, I met the postman: and I looked in through the window before knocking." Taffy bit his lip. "People seem to be taking a deal of interest in us, all of a sudden," he said to his mother. Humility looked distressed, uncomfortable. Honoria ignored the snub. "I am starting for Carwithiel to-day," she said, "for a week's visit; and thought I would look in—after hearing what the postman told me—and pay my compliments." She talked for a minute or two on matters of no importance; asked after old Mrs. Venning's health; and left, turning at the door to give Humility a cheerful little nod. "Taffy, you ought not to have spoken so." Humility's eyes were tearful. Taffy's conscience was already accusing him. He snatched up his cap and ran out. "Miss Honoria!" She did not turn. "Miss Honoria—I am sorry." He overtook her, but she turned her face away. "Forgive me——" She halted, and after a moment looked him in the eyes. He saw then that she had been crying. "The first time I came to see you, _he_ whipped me," she said slowly. "I am sorry; please——" "Taffy——" "Miss Honoria." "I said—Taffy." "Honoria, then." "Do you know what it is to feel lonely, here?" Taffy remembered the afternoons when he had roamed the sand-hills longing for George's company. "Why, yes," said he; "it used to be always lonely."